Report of Parish Council Meeting - January 15th 2008

A group of teenagers attended the Surgery prior to the Meeting, to request an area of bike ramps on Recreation Ground. Councilors agreed there are two suitable sites, and subject to the availability of grants will go ahead with this project.

PC Haycox reported that the PACT meeting held in December was poorly attended, and if there is no improvement at the next meeting it may be the last one. There has been some vandalism in the Parish, and quad bikes are being used illegally on Pixley Lane and the Avenue.

The footpath by the Recreation Ground has not been tarmacced yet, as the firm appointed has increased the price to £14000.00 due to the rise in oil prices. A quote from another firm has been requested.

The youth shelter will be in place soon.

The Five-a-side football pitch is virtually finished, but there are problems with the electricity supply. The Council has requested a quote for the necessary work.

Drainage of the football pitch - a grant of £6000.00 has been obtained, so the work will be done as soon as possible. It was agreed to accept Hawkins quote in the sum of £9320.00 plus Vat.

Recycling bins - the paper bin has been removed, but Councilors are concerned that people using the Clothing bin are leaving bags, and not arranging for the bin to be emptied. lf the situation does not improve the bin will be removed.

The Plastics bin is working very well.

The see saw on the Play Area will be removed, for safety reasons, and will be replaced in

the next financial year.

Villa Farm Close is the name suggested by the Parish Council for the new road on the former Kingcup Mushroom site, as the land originally belonged to Villa Farm.

The new Nursery at the School is to be called Hinstock Hedgehogs Nursery, and staff are being recruited now.

Some horse chestnut trees on the Recreation Ground have canker, and must be removed. The one at the back of the shop will be replaced with a sweet chestnut tree, which is being donated by Amanda Rochelle, in memory of her parents, who kept the shop for many years.

Sandy Lane is being used by heavy vehicles using Sat-Nav to get to Chipnall Mill. It was agreed to request "not suitable for heavy vehicles" signs.

Road markings for Bearcroft Grange and Oakwood Meadows are needed.

Planning -extension at Holly House. Councilors are not happy with the proposed boarding, which is not in keeping with the Village Design Statement, and have suggested that suitable bricks should be used instead.

The Parish Council intends to produce a Parish Plan this year.

It was agreed to sponsor the Snooker Club in the sum of £250.00.

Large potholes by the entrance to the Chestnuts will be reported.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday March 4th 2008.